A Sacramento couple was tragically gunned down while on a holiday visit to Michoacan, Mexico, confirmed a family friend to KCRA 3. The victims, identified as Rafael Cardona Aguilera, 53, and Gloria Ambriz de Cardona, 50, had arrived in Mexico at the end of November to celebrate the holidays with relatives, spokesperson Magdalena Guzman of the Michoacan Prosecutor's Office informed CNN. Details surrounding their deaths are still emerging as authorities continue to investigate the double homicide. A memorial service for the couple is taking place, with some family members having traveled to Mexico for the occasion.
The shooting happened Wednesday when armed individuals targeted the Cardonas' vehicle in Angamacutiro, Michoacan state. Gloria Cardona succumbed to her injuries at the scene, and Rafael Cardona died shortly after at an local hospital. They are survived by their three children, two of whom are minors and were not present during the attack, stated a U.S. official to CNN. The U.S. State Department has made contact with their adult daughter.
Rafael Cardona's brother-in-law, Hermes Arnulfo Pacheco Bribiesca, a government official in Angamacutiro, recently took office after his predecessor was kidnapped and killed. A U.S. official said that the couple was driving Hermes' van when they were shot. The reason for the attack is unclear, as Mexican authorities have not confirmed the motive. A mass to honor the couple will be held in Angamacutiro on Saturday, and local authorities have canceled celebrations for the rest of the month, as reported by KCRA 3.
Michoacán has struggled with gang violence since the 1980s, when cartels began infiltrating the state, as per KCRA 3. The state is Mexico's largest avocado producer, but even this industry faces violence and corruption. Gangs like the Zetas and Familia Michoacana target local farmers for illegal crop production. A report from Mexico Evalua shows that around 95% of crimes in Mexico remained unsolved in 2022.
